Van Dijk Seeks Xavi Talks as Liverpool Contract Decision Looms
Virgil van Dijk will seek clarity on both his Netherlands future and his Liverpool contract after Ronald Koeman’s departure opened the way for Xavi to become Dutch national-team head coach.
What changed for the club
The 96-cap Netherlands centre-back has begun discussions with Xavi over whether he remains part of the new manager’s plans. Their first contact came in midweek, when Liverpool met Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, with a formal meeting expected in the coming weeks.
Van Dijk, who has turned 35, believes he can still make a major international contribution and wants to remain involved through to Euro 2028.
“I feel that I can still be valuable and important to the team,” Van Dijk said. He accepts that Xavi may opt to reshape the squad, but hopes they can agree on a shared direction. “If we see eye to eye, we have two good years ahead of us leading up to Euro 2028. If not, then we’ll see.”
There is also uncertainty at Anfield. Van Dijk has entered the final year of his Liverpool contract, while talks over an extension are not expected to begin until next year. The club captain will therefore head into the coming months without an immediate resolution on his long-term position.
Competition context
The Netherlands are changing manager after a disappointing World Cup that ended in the round of 32. Xavi’s arrival gives the national side a new direction, and Van Dijk’s role will be one of the early decisions for the former Barcelona coach.
Liverpool are also navigating a difficult start under Andoni Iraola. The Reds have drawn three of their opening four Premier League matches, with the latest stalemate coming against Fulham.
- Van Dijk has made 96 appearances for the Netherlands.
- He wants to help take the Dutch to Euro 2028.
- Liverpool’s captain is in the last 12 months of his present deal.
- Iraola’s side have drawn three of their first four league fixtures.
What is scheduled next
Before joining the Netherlands squad, Van Dijk will have two important Liverpool matches. The Reds host Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before travelling into Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Bournemouth, Iraola’s former club.
The international break will then bring a demanding four-match window for the Netherlands. Xavi is set to begin with a Nations League fixture against Germany, followed by games involving Serbia and a final meeting with Greece.
The planned discussion between Xavi and Van Dijk should determine whether the defender remains central to the Netherlands setup for the next two years, or whether the new coach begins his rebuild without the Liverpool captain.
